Bulk Carriers Flashcards
Describe the Hazards related to bulk carriers when loading and/or discharging…
- Structural = damage, bending moments, sheer force, stresses
- Chemical = liquefaction, toxic, self ignition/combustion
- Stability = shift of G (from wet or dry shift) and initial GM
Define “Angle of Repose”
The maximum slope angle of a non-cohesive (free flowing) granular material
What is considered to be “High Density” cargo and what are the main hazards with this cargo?
High Density cargo considered with a Stowage Factor of equal to or less than 0.56m3/t
Found within the cargo manifest
Increase sheer force & bending moments if not placed correctly, structural damage to the ship
How would you load high density cargoes?
Develop a Cargo & Ballast plan
Ensure sequence, quantity and rate have been agreed
Speed of load/unload same as ballast/deballast
Distribute evenly
Ensure stability monitored (seaway SF & BM not exceeded)
Initial & final conditions, monitor and stop at various stages before continuing onto next stage (0%-25%, stop and monitor etc)
Before using lifting equipment on board ship, what should you consider?
- Risk Assessment
- Ensure access is prevented for unauthorised personnel
- Equipment is safeguarded and free from defects
- Produce safe system of work (of the equipment & persons working)
- Equipment is stable, installed properly
- It is right for the job
- Emergency stops identified and tested
- Documents & certificates up to date
What are the bulk cargo groups?
A = cargoes that may liquefy
B = cargoes with a chemical hazard
C = cargoes that don’t liquefy or have a chemical hazard
Describe the CARGO tank ingress alarms on a bulk carrier…
Water Ingress Alarms (visual & audible)
- First stage = 0.5m height of the cargo tank
- Second stage = not less than 15% height but no more than 2m height of the cargo tank
What is Transportable Moisture Limit (TML)?
Maximum moisture content of the cargo to consider safe for transport
What is Flow Moisture Point (FMP)?
Percentage moisture content at which a flow state develops
What is Flow State?
A state when a cargo is saturated to the point it starts to behave like a liquid
How can you test the cargo for liquid before loading?
“Can Test”
Fill a can with 0.5-1 litre of cargo, take the can and hit it onto a hard surface at 0.2m in height 25 times at 1/2 sec intervals. Examine for free moisture on the surface of cargo or fluid condition
You have conducted the “Can Test” before loading your bulk cargo and have noticed free moisture on top of the cargo. What should you do?
- Collect Evidence of test
- Reject cargo
- Consult local P&I
- Have the cargo set off to a laboratory for further testing to see if it’s still acceptable for transportation
After the “Can Test” what should you receive from the laboratory once the results come back?
Certificate of Analysis - includes the TML of the cargo and the actual moisture content
Where would you find the moisture information (e.g. TML) of a cargo?
Shipper’s Declaration
If a cargo was to have a high angle of repose, how would it behave?
If it was to shift, it would tend to remain in the position after shifting, causing a list to the vessel
If a cargo was to have a low angle of repose, how would it behave?
If it was to shift, it would act similar as a liquid, with the potential to cause free surface moments, reducing stability of the vessel